Volusia County EMS Takes Child Safety to Elementary Schools with KidSmart Initiative

Posted On: February 22, 2024

On Thursday, Feb. 22, the Volusia County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division embarked on its continued mission to bolster child safety by delivering its "KidSmart" safety presentation at Manatee Cove Elementary in Orange City. The presentation was given to more than 120 kindergarten students, enriching them with invaluable safety knowledge through an interactive learning experience.

"Our mission goes beyond responding to emergencies; it's about preventing them before they happen," said Volusia County EMS Director Kevin Captain. "The 'KidSmart' program teaches kids what to do in an emergency and empowers them to make smart decisions that keep them safe every day."

Volusia County EMS has offered the "KidSmart" program since the early 1990s. The program is known for its dynamic and interactive approach and is specially designed to capture the attention of young minds, making the learning process both fun and effective. Throughout presentations, the team covers a broad spectrum of safety topics critical for children's awareness and protection. These included recognizing the appropriate situations for calling 911, emphasizing the necessity of wearing helmets while riding bikes or scooters, understanding pool and water safety, acknowledging the risks associated with talking to strangers, and highlighting the importance of anti-bullying measures.

"Volusia County Schools appreciates our partnership with Volusia County's EMS division to provide outstanding KidSmart programming at Manatee Cove Elementary and across the school district, offering essential safety education to our students," said Volusia County Schools Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin. "This program highlights our shared commitment to fostering a safe environment and making a positive impact on our community by empowering students to keep their schools and homes safe."

This initiative is a cornerstone of the EMS Division's commitment to safeguarding the community's children by providing them with the tools and knowledge to navigate various safety challenges confidently. It reflects a proactive strategy to foster a safe and supportive environment for Volusia County's youngest residents through education and engagement. With an ambitious plan for the 2024 spring semester, the EMS Division intends to extend the reach of the "KidSmart" safety presentations to 20 different elementary schools and 1,500 students across the county.

For further details on the "KidSmart" program and the upcoming schedule of presentations, contact Clayton Jackson at 386-473-5260 or cjackson@volusia.org.